Under state law drugs are categorized by the type of chemical effect the drug has on humans. Hallucinogens are one of these types of drugs. Common illegal hallucinogens are psilocybin, also known as mushrooms, mescaline, peyote, and MDMA. MDMA is the abbreviation for the chemical name of ecstasy and in its pure for it is known on the street as molly. State drug enforcement officers and DEA agents have placed a greater emphasis on making arrests for possession of ecstasy over the past decade and ecstasy arrests are on the rise. Simple possession of hallucinogens such as ecstasy or MDMA is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 years in jail, and a hefty fine. Due to ongoing state and national lobbying, Maryland has separate and unique marijuana laws that have less severe penalties than other illegal drugs. Possession of marijuana is illegal for anyone under the age of 21, and adults 21 and over can now possess up to 1.5 ounces of pot without being prosecuted. Having more than 2.5 ounces could result in charges or possession over the civil use amount and/or charges for possession with intent to distribute (if police recover evidence of actual intent). Possession of over 50 pounds of marijuana could still trigger a felony charge of possession of a large amount, which carries a five-year mandatory prison sentence. There are currently less than 30 substances that are classified as illegal hallucinogens, but the law does allow for new hallucinogens to be made illegal if there is a high potential for abuse, there is no accepted medical use, and the substance is unsafe. A drug lawyer in Maryland can give you specific advice any illegal drug charge including the maximum punishments, and available defenses.
In addition to rising arrest levels for ecstasy, arrest for opiates such as prescription oxycodone have skyrocketed over the past 10 years. Oxycodone and hydrocodone are the chemical names for the opiates found in common prescription drugs such as Percocet, Oxycontin, and Vicodin. Percocet and Vicodin are combination drugs that contain a small amount of controlled substance along with a larger amount of an over the counter analgesic such as aspirin or acetaminophen. Oxycontin typically comes in the form an extended release pill of pure oxycodone. Illegal possession of this drug also carries a maximum penalty of 1 year. Arrests for illegal possession typically occur if someone is caught carrying the drug without a prescription. Police officers have also focused a great deal of effort on cracking down on obtaining oxycodone with fraudulent a prescription, and doctor shopping. If you or someone you know has been arrested for any of these offenses contact criminal lawyer at The Herbst Firm to discuss your case.
Cocaine possession is still one of the most common illegal drugs, and police make thousands of cocaine arrests per year. The penalty is the same for crack cocaine and powder cocaine. Due to the small packaging and dosage of cocaine and crack cocaine and the fact that cocaine is virtually odorless to humans there are a variety of defenses that a criminal defense lawyer can incorporate in possession of cocaine case. Police often locate small amounts of cocaine in a defendant’s vehicle or on the person of a defendant. If a police officer did not have probable cause to search the defendant or the defendant’s car there may be a motion to suppress evidence. The Maryland drug possession lawyers at The Herbst Firm will thoroughly examine your cocaine case and file any appropriate motions to dismiss the charges against you or a loved one. Do not try to fight your charges without an experienced criminal lawyer, especially if you are facing a serious offense such as possession of a large amount or possession with intent to distribute. Call Benjamin today at 410-207-2598 to learn which defenses may be available in your case.
